3 Workouts that Actually Work

They say that just 8 percent of those who make New Year’s resolutions every year actually succeed at achieving them – and, one of the most common resolutions is starting a regular workout program, whether it’s to lose weight, get fit or both. Of course, resolutions or goals aren’t just for a new year, the time to get started is now. One of the many reasons so many people give up working out, is that results don’t come quick enough – and, if your big goal is to workout five times a week when you’ve been a couch potato for months or even years, you’re probably going to fail.

While it might be a nice perk, you don’t need a fancy gym in that new place you bought among the houses for sale in Fresno, or anywhere else. Nor do you need idyllic weather or an attractive exercise outfit. What you need, is a workout that really works, helping you to stay motivated and on track.

Push-Ups

Push-ups are something that everyone loves to hate as they aren’t easy, but they are simple as you don’t need any tools to perform them, you just need your body. They’ll engage your core, your shoulders, arms, chest and back all at once, provided you’re performing them correctly. Building strong muscles helps to raise your metabolism so that you not only burn more calories when working out, but while you’re resting. A stronger core also helps to improve posture, making you look thinner and fitter.

To perform push-ups correctly, be sure that the palms of your hands are directly below your shoulders, just slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Your body shouldn’t sink but should form a straight line. Bend your elbows while lowering your body slowly toward the ground, allowing your chest to hover just above the floor without touching it. Pause for a second or two and then push back up to the original position. Begin with 15 reps, gradually increasing the number as you grow stronger.

High-Intensity Interval Training

HIIT is often named among experts as the number one type of exercise for weight loss. Any type of workout that causes your heart rate to spike and then repeatedly come back down will work. For example, run as fast as you can on a treadmill, in place or anywhere else for a set interval of time, followed by active rest like walking, and then do it all again. You could also intersperse stair climbing with lifting light weights, or indoor cycling where you cycle as fast as you can, and then slow down for active rest. The more muscles you use, the more calories you’ll burn.

CrossFit

CrossFit has become one of the most popular workouts in the exercise industry. As the workouts are varied, it helps prevent boredom while taking advantage of interval training as the routines are meant to be short but intense. It can include everything from squats to climbing a rope or kettlebell swings. The key factor with CrossFit, however, is that you have a knowledgeable coach who can make sure that you aren’t pushing yourself to the point of injury.